The family of a 4-year-old boy who recently was severely burned in an accident needs help with expenses related to his recovery.

People in communities of the Pana and Taylorville areas are hoping to help NASH KOCHES, the son of JAMIE HARTMAN of Pana.

Nash is hospitalized at St. John’s Children’s Hospital with burns he received while trying to help with a fire that was burning a pile of leaves.

Nash is burned over “quite a bit of his body,” Hartman said.

“The left side and the belly and his left arm, his left leg and his little private area. His face, but his face is completely healed. It’s been like a miracle. He’s healing so fast from it on his face,” Hartman said.

“He looks like a little mummy.”

Hartman said Thursday that Nash was doing “amazing.”

“It’s been long and trying… He’s a mama’s boy. He doesn’t ever want me to leave his side, and I don’t want to leave his side,” said Hartman, a single, stay-at-home mother of two, including a 9-year-old son.

Hartman said she doesn’t know what will become of the finances surrounding Nash’s recovery.

“(His) dad has been having to take off a lot of work, which we found out (on Wednesday) that he wasn’t going to be paid for it,” Hartman said.

“It’s been hard. Gasoline. Getting back and forth. … My oldest boy hasn’t wanted to leave my side and Nash’s side, but he’s not allowed to stay here at the hospital. …

“I’m not one to ask for any help, but anything would be wonderful.”

SHELLY GRIGOROFF has taken up a collection from people in Taylorville on behalf of the family.

“I don’t know the mother personally. I know the family just from my co-worker,” said Grigoroff, who added she felt compelled to help the family even though Hartman hasn’t asked for help.

Monetary donations can be made to the “Benefit for Nash Koches” account at any U.S. Bank. For more information, call Hartman at 690-2657.

“It really brings Nash’s spirits up when he sees people and we meet people and talk to others about what they go through and kind of giving each other strength,” Hartman said.